Director of Development, Smith School of Business

Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Development and Alumni Relations, the Director of Development will be responsible for working to meet the fund-raising objectives of the Robert H. Smith School of Business. The Director of Development will be responsible for developing and implementing fundraising plans to secure the resources needed for the Dean’s priorities and works primarily in the area of major gift fundraising: planning, implementing and overseeing the major gift fundraising program ($50,000 and higher) with emphasis on six and seven-figure gifts.   The Director of Development (DoD) serves as a key member of the Development and Alumni Relations team and as an ambassador for the Smith School. Working collaboratively with members of the School and University Community, and in coordination with the Dean and Assistant Dean/Development and Alumni Relations, the DoD leads donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship efforts. The DoD will apply knowledge and understanding of the University of Maryland and the Smith School of Business, its traditions, programs, campus issues, needs and priorities to the development process. They must be able to persuasively discuss academic programs, needs and priorities with prospective donors and volunteers. They should also be comfortable working with prominent and wealthy individuals.

In addition to managing a significant portfolio of major donors and prospects, the DoD must be a highly energetic and collegial professional with a track record of building donor relationships and closing gifts in the 5- to 7-figure range. The successful candidate must be able to work collaboratively and strategically with units across campus including the Office of Gift Planning, Donor Relations, Annual Giving and the Alumni Association, as well as unit-based and school/college development officers, and university leaders.

This position will require attendance at some weekend and evening events.   Education (include licenses, certifications, etc.):
Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years of successful major gift fundraising or related experience.
• A track record of working collaboratively on philanthropic gifts within a complex institution, preferably in higher education.
• A proven track record of initiating and building relationships with prospects.
• A successful track record of soliciting, securing and closing major gifts.

 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Energetic customer-service oriented professional
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the willingness to make “cold calls” in order to cultivate, solicit and close proposals.
• Ability to synthesize complex material and have great attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills that will enable him or her to work well with diverse groups of constituents and colleagues.
• Ability to represent the university and its priorities compellingly and professionally.
• Ability to travel up to 60% of the time and work occasional evenings and weekends.